America in Prophecy by Ellen White [Original Edition]

that the Reformer himself, in his old age, alone and friendless,
would bow to the combined authority of the crown and the
mitre. But instead of this the papists saw themselves defeated.
Parliament, roused by the stirring appeals of Wycliffe, repealed
the persecuting edict, and the Reformer was again at liberty.
A third time he was brought to trial, and now before the
highest ecclesiastical tribunal in the kingdom. Here no favor
would be shown to heresy. Here at last Rome would triumph,
and the Reformer’s work would be stopped. So thought the
papists. If they could but accomplish their purpose, Wycliffe
would be forced to abjure his doctrines, or would leave the
But Wycliffe did not retract; he would not dissemble. He
fearlessly maintained his teachings, and repelled the accusations
of his persecutors. Losing sight of himself, of his position,
of the occasion, he summoned his hearers before the divine
tribunal, and weighed their sophistries and deceptions in the
balances of eternal truth. The power of the Holy Spirit was
felt in the council room. A spell from God was upon the
hearers. They seemed to have no power to leave the place.
As arrows from the Lord’s quiver, the Reformer’s words
pierced their hearts. The charge of heresy, which they had
brought against him, he with convincing power threw back
upon themselves. Why, he demanded, did they dare to spread
their errors?—For the sake of gain, to make merchandise of
the grace of God.
“With whom, think you,” he finally said, “are you
contending? With an old man on the brink of the grave?—
overcome you.” –Wylie, b. 2, ch. 13. So saying, he withdrew
from the assembly, and not one of his adversaries attempted
to prevent him.
Wycliffe’s work was almost done, the banner of truth which
he had so long borne was soon to fall from his hand; but once
more he was to bear witness for the gospel. The truth was to be
proclaimed from the very stronghold of the kingdom of error.
Wycliffe was summoned for trial before the papal tribunal at